BRATTLEBORO- Leapin’ lizards! The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage at New England Youth Theatre in one of the world’s best-loved musicals.

New England Youth Theatre presents “Annie,” directed by Rebecca Waxman, book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin, running December 6 through 16.

Determined to find her parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage, Annie is helped by her orphan friends to escape to the wondrous and magical world of New York City.

In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils the evil machinations of the cruel Miss Hannigan and befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Annie was the first Broadway musical she ever saw and when the opportunity came along to direct it, she pounced. “It is a perfect vehicle for a large cast with lots of girls, including my own!”

Adding to the girl power of this production will be musical director Becky Graber, assistant director Juliet Avelin, and choreographer Jen Moyse, who will be the new owner of Brattleboro School of Dance.

NEYT is also holding a toy drive for local children in need. Please bring wrapped toys with a girl or boy label on them to NEYT when you come for the show.

Gifts will be distributed to various local service providers, who will deliver them to local children.

“Annie” performs December 6 through 16, at 7 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 pm Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets for these performances are $12 for students, $14 for adults.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.neyt.org, at the NEYT box office, or by phone, (802)246-6398, from 12 to 5 pm on Wednesdays.